HPV virus triggers vulva cancer

The vulva (external genital area) cancer, which is among gynecological cancers such as cervical cancer, ovarian and uterine cancer, is symptomatic at an early stage to support successful treatment. Often encountered in post-menopausal period vulva cancer What needs to be careful to protect from?

The vulva cancer, which accounts for 3 per cent of gynecologic cancers, is seen in women over 60 years old after menopause, but can also be seen in younger ages. In the investigations and in the cases that are encountered, vulva cancer HPV Neolife Medical Center emphasizes that the cause of the infection is Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. Dr. Gonca Saraç, "Vulva; The female genital area is known as the outer surface surrounding the urinary tract and vaginal opening, enclosing the inner and outer lips with the clitoris. Vulva cancer, usually manifested as an itchy swelling or wound; pain in the vagina, irritation, tenderness, bleeding outside the menstrual cycle, deep color change and wart-like protrusions. The vast majority of vulvar cancers come from the skin surface that makes up this area, some from pigment-producing cells, and glandular structures. When it comes to the description of abnormal bleeding, burning, itching and pain in the vulva area, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor for the early diagnosis of the disease. "

Saraç emphasizes the importance of regular gynecological control, the factors that increase the risk of seeing the disease as follows:

• Age: Although vulval cancer is seen at all ages, the risk increases with age.

• HPV (Human papilloma virus): HPV; sexually transmitted disease, especially cervical cancer and vulva, an infection that prepares the ground for various diseases. Although HPV infection usually resolves spontaneously, it can cause cellular changes that can turn into cancer in some cases. 50% of vulvar cancers are seen in people who are infected with high-risk HPV. The vulva cancers developed on the HPV surface are more common in the young patient group.

• Smoking: Among people who are infected with HPV, the risk of developing cancer is higher in smokers.

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): It can increase the susceptibility to HPV infections by weakening the HIV immune system.

• Vulvan's precancerous lesions: Vulvan's precancerous lesions do not always turn into cancer; but at least some of it can progress to vulvar cancer. For this reason, it is suggested that lesions in the vulva should be removed.

• Skin problems: Conditions like vulvar skin thinning and itchy scaly lichen sclerosis increase the risk of vulva cancer. In women with lichen sclerosis, the incidence of vulva cancer is known as 4 percent.

• Other genital cancers: Women with cervical cancer have a higher risk of development of vulva cancer.

• Melanoma: Women who have melanomas elsewhere in the body, or who have a family history of melanoma, have a greater risk of developing vulvar melanoma.

Can vulva cancer be prevented?

It is absolutely necessary to take precautions against HPV infection. The risk of exposure to HPV increases with the increase in the number of sexual partners and the start of sexual relations at a young age. Even if the woman is the only sexual partner, the risk of high HPV transmission is high if the number of people with whom the spouse has been before is high or if the spouse is uncircumcised. For this reason, condoms protect against HIV transmission and reduce HPV risk to a certain extent. It is recommended that vaccinations, which provide immunization against the highest risk HPV types, should be administered to young girls before the intercourse period begins. Smoking and regular examination are of great importance in the early diagnosis and prevention of vulvar cancer.